Well, today, I complete my 28 treatments of radiation therapy and head for home! I was only able to take two of the chemotherapy treatments (called, 5fu) due to my blood platelet count dropping too low. I am supposed to take approximately six weeks off, now, to recuperate and build up my blood, then return for additioanal chemotherapay (gemcitobene), one treatment per week for several consecutive weeks. February 3rd, I return for a petscan to check the status of the pancreatic tumor and to see whether or not it has matasticized (spread to any other part of my body).
My plan is to return back to work. I hope to have opportunities to preach and to share my testimony, wherever the Lord may lead.I feel good, almost normal, except for the nauseating effects of the radiation. However, I'm taking medication that counteracts that, most of the time.
I truly believe prayer has made a significant difference in dealing with my circumstances. Whether my time is short or, by the grace of God, should be extended for an indefinite time, I will never be the same, again. This has truly been a life-changing experience.
I'm sure it's selfish on my part, but, I do hope that He might see fit to extend my life beyond the doctor's prediction of six to twelve months, so that I can have opportunities to glorify and lift up His name. Of course, it would be such a blessing to see my grandchildren grow up and become people of integrity whose lives would point others to Jesus, forgiveness of sins, through His name, and eternal life.
I once prayed to God, and said, "Lord, I want to see your glory." His response, by that still small voice from within was, "John, it will cost you." I feared that it could be something as major as the loss of one of my children or my wife, and the thought made me shudder. But, since I have been diagnosed with this condition, I have seen more of the Lord's glory than all the years previous, combined. His glory has been revealed to me through the hearts and lives of His people, as so many of them have shown me compassion, through prayer, encouraging words, helping hands, benevolence, cards, letters, phone messages, etc, etc; so many, that I could not begin to thank each one by name. Many have remained nameless. Many are total strangers.
I can truly thank God for having allowed me to experience this trial of life. He has not failed me. He has been faithful. He has been with me, through it all. Praise the Lord! His grace is sufficient!
My heart hurts for those who do not yet know the peace that passeth all understanding; knowing that God is on the throne. He is completely in control of our circumstances. He knows what He is doing. I trust Him. Therefore, I can be at rest (peace) in Him, through His son, Jesus Christ! For, I know, He knows what is best for me, and those that I love!
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12, KJV)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Dad,
After you were told the prognosis, I recalled an email about Cori Ten Boon and her sister Betsy. (I have not read her book so I may have some of the facts wrong.)While they were in a concentration camp they were very miserable due to body lice. However, they thanked God for the lice. The story told how we are told to thank God for everything. They later realized that they were able to hold bible study without too much fear. The gaurds would not enter their cell because the lice were so bad.
I love you very much. I know that God has changed our lives and he has a plan. I pray that I am doing his will and reaching the right people. There are so many people's lives that we touch and we are never aware. It puts a lump in my throat to say this... I thank God for your cancer. I am praying for healing, however. I want you here to grow old with me. It has changed my life and mostly my heart. Love you,
Shawn
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Post a Comment